A step in the right direction for MXS Airman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Dustin Mullen
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Attention to detail. That was the topic Col. Derek France, 325th Fighter Wing commander, wanted to talk about to a group of aircraft maintainers.

Colonel France stood before the formation and spoke in serious tones about how critically important attention to detail is, especially when working with aircraft.

"I would like to call forward Staff Sgt. Robert Berman," the commander said sternly.

From the front row, Berman walked forward and stood nervously in front of his co-workers. Chief Master Sgt. Craig Williams, 325th FW command chief, and 325th Maintenance Squadron leadership looked on.

"Attention to detail," France said as he focused on Berman. "I would like to point out that you are out of uniform," he said tersely.

Berman quickly glanced himself over as the room fell silent. All eyes were on him.

"Your rank is wrong," France said.

At that moment Chief Williams pulled out a certificate that read, "Congratulations on your promotion to Technical Sergeant."

"That attention to detail that you show every day is part of the reason you have been selected for a STEP promotion, effective immediately," France announced.

The room erupted in applause and a sigh of relief and excitement swept across Berman's face.

"Congratulations," France said with a smile to Berman. "You have until lunchtime, that is noon, to get it fixed."

"I will have it done within the hour sir," Berman responded.

Berman, a nondestructive inspection craftsman with the 325th MXS, was selected by his leadership to promote to the rank of technical sergeant through a program called Stripes for Exceptional Performers.

The STEP program supplements existing airmen promotion programs and is designed to accommodate unique circumstances that, in the commander's judgment, clearly warrant promotion.

This selection, only one stripe was awarded from a very competitive pool of thousands of Tyndall Airmen, said France.

"Berman has grown to be a go-to guy in the NDI shop and a very competent Airman," said Chief Master Sgt. Brian Sondgeroth, 325 MXS superintendent. "He is a true blue team player, he made sure to take care of himself and the mission, and he made sure he was nurturing his subordinates."